The sect leader heads an organization described as having “the character of a charismatic cult,” with intense loyalty demanded of its 10 million followers, who have flocked to the movement’s outlandish headquarters, the Wat Dhammakaya. Phra Dhammachayo briefly achieved international notoriety in 2012, the Wall Street Journal reports, by making bizarre claims that Steve Jobs had been reincarnated as a warrior spirit and was dwelling in a heavenly palace.

The 72-year-old is now wanted on charges of money laundering and the embezzlement of $14 million from a credit union — allegations he vigorously denies. For weeks, he has refused to attend court to answer the charges, the Journal says, with his supporters claiming that is medically unable to leave the Wat Dhammakaya

Buddhist monks are no stranger to controversy in Thailand with many scandals involving fast living, animal trafficking and rape rattling the public’s perception of the country’s main religion. Much criticism has centered around the Phra Dhammajayo, with scholars calling its practices unorthodox and misleading. According to the BBC, some say the sect has close political ties with former Primer Minister Thakin Shinawatra, who was overthrown by the military.

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